Pakistan TV stations off air amid emergency speculation

Source: afp



Pakistan TV stations off air amid emergency speculation

15 minutes ago

ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistan's private television channels suddenly went off the air Saturday amid reports President Pervez Musharraf was likely to impose a state of emergency.

...............

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-7047429,00.html

Report: Musharraf to Declare Emergency


Saturday November 3, 2007 12:46 PM

By MATTHEW PENNINGTON

Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - President Gen. Pervez Musharraf was preparing to impose a state of emergency amid rising violence and political tensions, a private TV network reported Saturday, as top government officials decided at an extraordinary meeting to boost security in the capital, Islamabad.

Geo TV, citing unnammed official sources that a final decision to declare an emergency had been taken and that Musharraf may address the nation later tonight.

There was no official confirmation of the report, but a ruling party lawmaker and a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said they had received similiar information and expected an emergency as early as Saturday night.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. .........

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071103/ts_afp/pakistanpoliticsmediaban_071103124642;_ylt=AqVkgwhs70wG5uizD0s2HSqs0NUE

may come as the courts decide Pervez's political fate.

Also, earlier militants in Pakistan took over a couple of police stations: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5igDUu3QEalGnNov6MSBXB2C5UIMQ

if certain forces win out in the areas the western MSM report from then yes, sharia law may be imposedin the northwest provinces but little is mentioned about the southern provinces;.


Pakistan: The Forgotten Conflict in Balochistan
An International Crisis Group Report
Friday 26 October 2007
Islamabad/Brussels, 22 October 2007: The insurgency in Balochistan province will only subside when free, fair and transparent elections establish a legitimate government to replace Pakistan’s current military dictatorship.



Pakistan: The Forgotten Conflict in Balochistan,* the latest report from the International Crisis Group, examines the tensions across the strategically important and resource-rich province, where violence continues unabated between the military government and militants demanding political and economic autonomy. It urges the federal government to return power to democratic institutions in order to stem growing Baloch alienation and regional instability.

“The military relies on repression, killings, imprisonment, disappearances and torture to bend the Baloch to its will”, says Robert Templer, Director of the Asia Program. “That only feeds the insurgency”.

Relying on divide-and-rule policies, the military supports Pashtun Islamist parties like the JUI-F, a key patron of the Afghan Taliban, in a bid to counter secular Baloch and moderate Pashtun forces. Using Balochistan as a base of operation and sanctuary and recruiting from JUI’s extensive madrasa network,
the Taliban and its Pakistani allies are undermining the state-building effort in Afghanistan.
At the same time, U.S. and other Western support for Musharraf is alienating the Baloch, who otherwise could be natural partners in countering extremism in Pakistan.

snip

“The staunchly anti-Taliban and secular Baloch believe the international community has yet to understand the threat the military’s Islamist allies pose, domestically and externally”, says Samina Ahmed, South Asia Project Director. “The restoration of participatory democratic institutions willing to accommodate the legitimate political demands of the Baloch would assuage dissent and restore trust in constitutionalism and rule of law”.

http://www.middleeasttransparent.com/article.php3?id_article=2441&lang=en

she left the country.

She most likely would be dead by now if she stayed. So who does the fickle finger of fate point at for her death on returning home?
Musharraf?
bushco?
taliban?


Well, she lives to fight another day

Her father was OFFED by the same gang of Thugs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulfikar_Ali_Bhutto

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Urdu: ذوالفقار علی بھٹو, IPA: ; Sindhi: ذوالفقار علي ڀُٽو) (January 5, 1928 – April 4, 1979) was a Pakistani politician who served as the President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973 and as Prime Minister from 1973 to 1977. He was the founder of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), one of the largest and most influential political parties of Pakistan.

His daughter Benazir Bhutto has also served twice as prime minister. Bhutto was executed in 1979 following a controversial trial for apparently authorizing the murder of a political opponent. The move was largely seen as being politically motivated under the directives of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.

Condi says we don't approve. One cannot help but think, regardless of the true good or bad intent by Musharraf, that the B*sh administration is watching how they performed their martial law and swept away the judges, and shut down tv, etc...


food already is outrageous here in my area, people are barely getting by. my brother gets under 150 a month for food for his disability and I went to get him groceries the other day, and everything was so expensive, like double what it was 5 years ago when he got the same stipend from the state! people are on edge, gas is 3 bucks a gallon, everything they need is double priced, and if anything happens to the prices again, or an emerg. order is placed by B*sh, they'll have about a day before everyone blames the shrub... I doubt they'd ever do this, but I didn't think Pakistan would have this happen anytime soon, so who knows.

Pakistan's Musharraf declares emergency

An armed militant supporter of Maulana Fazlullah, a hard line cleric, stands guard outside a captured police station in Matta near Mingora, the main town of Pakistan's Swat district bordering Afghanistan, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007. Militants said they captured two police stations in a mountainous region of northwest Pakistan that has increasingly fallen under the control of Taliban and al-Qaida-linked extremists, bringing further embarrassment to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's military-led government. (AP Photo/Riaz Khan)
Enlarge Photo
AP
AP - 3 minutes ago

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday, state TV said.

* Slideshow: Pakistan
* Video: Suicide attack on airforce bus BBC
* Full Coverage: Pakistan



http://news.yahoo.com/;_ylt=AnXSIQjFyWq7AlbJmhLbasaGOrgF

Things are getting very serious in Pakistan.

Pakistan has been engulfed in political upheaval in recent months, at the same time as the security forces have suffered a series of blows from pro-Taleban militants opposed to Gen Musharraf's support for the US-led "war on terror".

Private channels Geo News and Dawn News earlier quoted unnamed sources as saying the government had made up its mind to declare emergency rule. Shortly afterwards they came off air.

A special cabinet meeting is expected shortly.

One TV channel reported that emergency rule may involve the suspension of the constitution.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7076670.stm

Is that a temporary thing? No elections?

The Crystals and the Chiffons - not a lot in other words.

We've got it live on BBC. I guess it the combination of the two which is emergency rule.
He's sacked the main judge in his own trial to determine the validity of his recent re-election as President. The main court is now under police guard.

Mrs Bhutto is already on her way back from Dubai - that will really piss him off.

just as corrupt as Mushy.

Nonetheless I hope she stays safe.

Govt undecided over constitutional, extra-constitutional steps


ISLAMABAD, Nov 2: An air of uncertainty and apprehension pervaded the federal capital on Friday as reports started filtering through that the government was contemplating taking “extraordinary steps” to wriggle out of an “extraordinary situation”.

But as the case on the president’s re-election dragged out in

the Supreme Court, Gen Pervez Musharraf and his aides were undecided on whether to adopt the constitutional path by imposing emergency rule under Article 232 of the ‘green book’ or resort to extra-constitutional measures like ‘emergency-plus’ — a euphemism for martial law.

Highly informed sources said the government had put off the imposition of emergency only after Washington and a number of other western capitals established contacts with President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday and Friday, advising him against taking any extra-constitutional step.

snip

http://www.dawn.com/2007/11/03/top1.htm

It appears Musharraf may not heed the words of restraint out of Washington.

Will the US lose Pakistan as well as Turkey?

dunno
in the meantime, several Pakistani news sources printed in English are not very responsive this morning


Web Site Not Responding
http://thenews.jang.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp#

Pakistan Television said General Musharraf, who is also chief of army staff, had issued a provisional constitutional order declaring emergency.


It will not be good if Pakistan falls or spirals into a civil war.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/


LATEST NEWS ...

Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server error '80004005'

SQL Server does not exist or access denied.

/updates_inc.asp, line 16

1973 constitution suspended, new PCO issued, CJ removed
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Musharraf has imposed emergency in the country and issued new Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) and Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry has been removed from his office.

According to sources, the president will have extra-ordinary powers after the imposition of the emergency.

Meantime, the eight-member Supreme Court bench has set aside the decision regarding emergency in the country.

According to the sources, new PCO has been announced to take effect immediately. And the constitution of 1973 has been suspended. Under the PCO, Chief Justice of Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry has been deposed from his office.

Chief Justice was verbally said th.....more

http://www.thenews.com.pk/

Oh. . yeah.

How reliable they honor their commitment to Musharraf?
We may never know

Looks like a complete military coup.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Musharraf_imposes_Emergency_in_Pakistan/articleshow/2515052.cms

"After days of speculation about the General resorting to "supra-constitutional measures", the military ruler issued a "provisional constitutional order" imposing emergency rule in the country.

"The chief of army staff (Musharraf) has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order," the state-run Pakistan TV said.

Security forces were deployed in the capital and other parts of the country/"

Paratroops troops block road to Supreme Court which rejects the declaration of emergency by the president. Troops are also posted at state TV and radio. Chief Justice told his services are not required and the constitution has been suspended. The supreme court was about to rule on the eligibility of Musharraf’s run for president. Washington had previously warned him against this step which amounts to imposing martial law in Pakistan. Ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto leaves the country for Dubai days after her homecoming amid reports that she will not return to Islamabad where her arrival triggered further political turmoil. She was to have led her party in parliamentary elections in January, which may not now go ahead. source debkafile

Short and sweet in all-caps from the Reuters newsdesk:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/ISL207751.htm

After the declaration of emergency, troops entered the Supreme Court premises and removed Chief Justice Iftekhar Chaudhry.

The government told Chaudhry that his services were no longer needed.

Musharraf and the judiciary in Pakistan have been on a collision course since the Chief Justice was sacked. Later he was reinstated following wide spread protests across the country.


In an interesting development, speaking to NDTV, Pakistan People's Party leader Benazir Bhutto's husband Asir Zardari has said the former premier is on her way back to Pakistan.

The move gives credence to reports that Benazir was in some kind of a power sharing understanding with the chief of the Pakistan army.



more at link: http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070031746&ch=11/3/2007%207:11:00%20PM

Talaban/al queda with nukes! the fan is running and the shit is on the way... Pakistan has the delivery system too. At least India and china are on the ball. bush/cheney ignored this and now its gonna happen. they have depleted our defense resources to the point we are almost defenseless.

because his oil bosses wanted on top of that Iraqi oil.

Glowing too. at least they made that all important profit...:sarcasm:

any good money will do with a nuclear holocaust on the horizon.

Source: AP

President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday, state TV said, ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent election win.

The report gave no reason for the emergency but it follows weeks of speculation that the president — who is also chief of the army — could take the step, amid rising political turmoil and Islamic militant violence.

"The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order," a newscaster on Pakistan TV said.

Read more: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jIE0IUn4WIiaMBpjG8SI_6H5RXzgD8SM7FLG0

---

*sighs* With 'friends' like this who needs enemies?

He was going to lose a court case and probably the election so what does he do? declares a state of emergency. Unbelieveable

getting a crash course in the history of the region and where Pakistan is located on the map.

Witnesses said paramilitary troops had been deployed at state-run television and radio stations.

They also reported seeing dozens of police blocking the road leading to the supreme court where judges remain inside.

The Pakistani cabinet is scheduled to meet at 7.00pm (1400 GMT) and expected to ratify Musharraf's decision.


http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/8D370CD6-A376-4EB6-A829-DFC8E037CB16.htm

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

It's considered racist.

scold the messenger on PC ideology ?
maybe wingdings, *
and :) shouldn't be used as shortcuts on the internet either.


wtf
the message is about Pakistani provinces that never were controlled by Islamabad and a lot more cells have become very active against the Pakistani forces.


/screed

;)

I'm just telling you that the term is considered a racial slur by a lot of Pakistanis.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

...that anyone who went around DU calling black people "niggers" would be banned pretty quick. Well, "paki" is like "nigger" to Pakistanis. I'm hardly a member of the PC police. I just thought you should know that the term you were using is considered racist by Pakistanis.

eom

Bin Laden still hale and hearty, and in control of the northeast quadrant of Pakistan. The real Al-Qaeda is there untouched, not the ragtag wannabes in Iraq. Pakistan is increasingly unstable, and really does have nukular weapons.

Just as Bush would not even utter the name Osama Bin-Laden in 2002-03, during the runup to the war, so he will avoid this like the plague, because it may interfere with his plans to attack Iran after the first of the year.

An inconvenient truth: This may be the prelude to some very bad things. Aren't you glad we have W. in office to protect us from this (and of course from greedy children getting health care)?

"Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who recently returned to the country after years of self-exile to lead her party in the elections, is currently in Dubai on a personal visit."

Her house is surrounded by paramilitary troops.

After her arrival at Karachi's Airport, Bhutto said she did not believe there would be fair elections as long as emergency rule remained in place.

"Unless General Musharraf reverses the course it will be very difficult to have fair elections," she told Sky News television by telephone. "I agree with him that we are facing a political crisis, but I believe the problem is dictatorship, I don't believe the solution is dictatorship.

"The extremists need a dictatorship, and dictatorship needs extremists."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071103/ap_on_re_as/pakistan

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/03/pakistan.emergency/

declare a state of emergency and suspend elections in the USA, even after some sort of trigger, like violent unrest or an attack of some sort.

I would say that this is a shining example of how one person can do exactly that.

And their homes. They say it's an illegal move.

n/t

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/updates.asp?id=31547

I think the Red mosque backlash is about to be turned up a few notches

This is very bad.


I hope that the most experienced and savvy CIA agents that America has are watching the nukes. . This is Brewster-Jennings bailiwick, right?. . . oh. . wait. .

I'd link to the individual stories, but there are no links. It's the paper's welcome page, and the contents will certainly be dispersed elsewhere.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/11/03/welcome.htm

State of emergency declared ISLAMABAD, Nov 3, (AFP/AP) - President Gen Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent election win and amid rising militant violence. ''The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order,'' a newscaster on the state-run TV channel said. Dozens of police blocked the road in front of the Supreme Court building in Islamabad where judges were believed to be inside. The state TV report gave no reason for the emergency but it follows weeks of speculation that he could take the step. During previous emergencies in Pakistan, a provisional constitutional order has led to the suspension of some basic rights of citizens and for judges to take a fresh oath of office. ''This is the most condemnable act,'' said Ahsan Iqbal, a spokesman for the opposition PML-N party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who Musharraf barred from returning to exile to Pakistan in September to mount a campaign against military rule.''The whole nation will resist this extra-constitutional measure,'' he said. The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in the capital and other cities. Shahzad Iqbal, an official at a cable TV news provider in Islamabad said authorities were blocking transmissions of private news channels in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. State TV was still on the air. ''The government has done it,'' he said. Residents of Karachi said their cable TV was also off the air.Paramilitary troops and police surrounded the Supreme Court in Islamabad, an AFP reporter said. Two trucks full of armed paramilitary soldiers from the Rangers force, who are under the control of the Interior Ministry, and several dozen policemen cordoned off the building. (First Posted @ 18:26 PST Updated @ 18:54 PST)

--------------
Chief Justice Pakistan refuses to endorse emergency ISLAMABAD, Nov (Reuters): The Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and eight other judges refused to endorse the provisional constitutional order issued by the president, and Chaudhry has been told his “services are no longer required”, private news channels said. Chaudhry and his fellow judges, according to a Reuters journalist, were still inside the court building on Constitution Avenue, the broad thoroughfare where the presidency and the National Assembly are also located. The road has been sealed off by troops. (Posted @ 19:36 PST)

-----------
No decision taken to impose Martial Law: Tariq ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (APP): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azeem on Saturday said that no decision had been taken to impose martial law in the country. Talking to a private TV news channel, he said that martial law was an unconstitutional step while declaring an emergency was the constitutional right of the government under Article 232 of the Constitution. He said the situation in Swat, Rawalpindi and Sargodha stimulated the government to fulfil its responsibility to maintain law and order at every cost. He added that the government could enforce emergency to improve the situation. Mr Azeem said the NRO was an internal matter of the country and other countries should not interfere in its internal affairs. (Posted @ 19:16 PST)

----------------
Bhutto to stay abroad after Pakistan emergency: aide DUBAI, Nov 3 (AFP) - Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto will not return to Pakistan from Dubai after President Gen Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency on Saturday, a spokesman for her Pakistan People's Party told AFP. “She can't go back to Pakistan now due to the state of emergency,” Zubeir Bashir, the PPP's spokesman for the Middle East, said. (Posted @ 19:18 PST)

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/04/2081000.htm

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has declared a state of emergency amid mounting political upheaval and a wave of Islamist violence.

General Musharraf blamed a wave of Islamic militancy and "interference" by Pakistan's judiciary for the imposition of emergency rule, according to a copy of the order.

The declaration came as General Musharraf, who seized power in a coup in 1999, awaited a Supreme Court decision that could have overturned his victory in an October 6 presidential election.

General Musharraf has also suspended the country's constitution, news channels said.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and eight other judges refused to endorse the provisional constitutional order issued by the President, and Mr Chaudhry has been told his "services are no longer required".

General Musharraf tried to sack Mr Chaudhry earlier this year.

Pakistani paramilitary troops and police have surrounded the Supreme Court in Islamabad.

Two trucks full of armed paramilitary soldiers from the Rangers force, who are under the control of the Interior Ministry, and several dozen policemen have cordoned off the building.

Mr Chaudhry and his fellow judges are still inside the court building on Constitution Avenue, the broad thoroughfare where the presidency and the National Assembly are also located.

The move throws general elections that are due in January into jeopardy. The vote, the first in five years, was seen as a key step in moving nuclear-armed Pakistan towards full civilian democracy.

General Musharraf, a key US ally, has been at loggerheads with the Supreme Court for months and ministers had hinted that a state of emergency could be imposed if it ruled against his election win.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the official result of the October presidential election, in which General Musharraf won another five-year term, cannot be declared until it rules whether the vote was legal.


Troubled times

General Musharraf is also confronting a wave of Islamic militancy that has claimed the lives of more than 400 civilians and security personnel since government troops stormed the Red Mosque in Islamabad in July.

Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who returned to Pakistan on October 18 and then flew to Dubai on Thursday, said earlier this week that she had heard speculation that General Musharraf could declare a state of emergency.

Ms Bhutto said on Wednesday she had decided to postpone her visit "due to rumours of the possible imposition of an emergency in view of the pending cases before the Supreme Court about General Musharraf's elections."

There are conflicting reports over Ms Bhutto's plans to return to Pakistan. A party spokesman said she would not return due to the state of emergency but her husband contradicted that statement and said Ms Bhutto would return immediately.

General Musharraf had pledged to step down as army chief by November 15 if he won the election, but has not said what he would do if the court overturns his victory.

The court said this week it would not be cowed by ministerial hints of emergency action.

The emergency will also likely shatter a proposed power-sharing deal between Ms Bhutto and General Musharraf, which has been pushed by the United States and Britain ahead of general elections.

Washington and London have been quietly pushing a scenario which would see General Musharraf as a civilian president and Ms Bhutto serving a third time as premier.

Fair Use allows for 4 paragraphs .....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html

-snip-

5. Copyrights: Do not copy-and-paste entire articles onto this discussion forum. When referencing copyrighted work, post a short excerpt (not exceeding 4 paragraphs) with a link back to the original.

-snip-

two sentence paragraphs hardly count imo

Now, using the cloak of his phony declaration, many of his enemies will "disappear", and the innocent shall, as always, suffer the same fate as the guilty.

The way it always is in lands where the New Totalitarianism, which I call BushPutinism after it's Founding Fathers, rises up. Pakistan, Amerika, Russia, China...all BushPutinist States in varying degrees (depending on the nation and it's traditions) of violence against it's own people.

In Pakistan the violence is, well...violent. In Commie China, less so. In Putin's Russia, the same, and in Imperial Amerika, the nicest BushPutinist tyranny to live in of all.

But I have to laugh at how the mighty have fallen. Pakistan is teaching US about ethical jurisprudence...and that is why they have to go to be replaced with Bushie Judges who will make decisions based on loyalty to Leader, not the law.

Source: AP

President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent election win and amid rising Islamic militant violence.

Eight Supreme Court judges immediately rejected the emergency, which suspended the current constitution. The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in several cities and telephone services in the capital, Islamabad, were cut.

"The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order," a newscaster on state Pakistan TV said, adding that Musharraf, who took power in 1999 coup, would address the nation later Saturday.

...snip...

The U.S. and other Western allies urged him this week not to take steps that would jeopardize the country's transition to democracy.

Read more: http://www.abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=3815764

After the declaration of emergency, troops entered the Supreme Court premises and removed Chief Justice Iftekhar Chaudhry.

The government told Chaudhry that his services were no longer needed.

Musharraf and the judiciary in Pakistan have been on a collision course since the Chief Justice was sacked. Later he was reinstated following wide spread protests across the country.

In an interesting development, speaking to NDTV, Pakistan People's Party leader Benazir Bhutto's husband Asir Zardari has said the former premier is on her way back to Pakistan.

The move gives credence to reports that Benazir was in some kind of a power sharing understanding with the chief of the Pakistan army.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the move and said this is an unprecedented move in the history of Pakistan.

more at link: http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070031746&ch=11/3/2007%207:11:00%20PM

crisis that leaders knew was imminent. BBC reports that her husband says she is on her way back to Pakistan now. So what's next?

on CNN is a phone interview with one of Condi's spokespeople. Supposedly, Condi warned Musharraf against this...? I find that a little hard to believe.

its more important to talk about Britney or Paris showing her hoo-ha:sarcasm:

air time! (I guess I shouldn't be surprised.)

Something like this breaks and the weekend anchors are left with scripts and taped packages. We'll see who brings in the big guns first.

We may not need you anymore Mushi; but thanks for being there for us.
Take it easy

Pakistan to "help out"...

That's where we should have gone when Bin Laden found refuge in Pakistan.

But Bush and Cheney considered it more important to get on top of that Iraqi oil.

Source: msnbc.com

Troops surround Bhutto’s home; U.S. calls developments ‘regrettable’

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday, ahead of a crucial Supreme Court ruling on his future as president, thrusting the country deeper into political turmoil as it struggles to contain spreading Islamic militancy.

Seven Supreme Court judges immediately rejected the emergency, which suspended the current constitution. The government blocked all television transmissions in major cities other than state-run Pakistan TV, and telephone services in the capital, Islamabad, were cut.

Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto flew from Dubai on Saturday and was sitting on a plane at Karachi airport, waiting to see if she would be arrested or deported, her spokesman Wajid Hasan said after speaking to the former prime minister by telephone from London.

Witnesses said 100 police and paramilitary troops were deployed at her home in Karachi, though it was not immediately clear if they were there as a protective cordon or to apprehend the opposition leader. A bomb disposal squad was also at the scene.

snip

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21609019/

---

It's almost spooky that Biden warned of the volatile situation in Pakistan on the debate the other night. He and two senators had written to Musharraf urging security for Bhutto when she returned to the area. I don't know if the troops guarding her are a result of that nudge from the U.S., or of it's something ominous.

But don't worry, we're in good hands. We obviously understand the gravity of the situation -- Rice called it "regrettable'

Don't get me started. I'm hoping Biden makes a statement so we can get an accurate reading of what's going on.

I noticed that.

elect Joe President. I honestly feel he is the only one of both sides who can deal with all of this effectively. We should all pray for the people of Pakistan.

headed in a very scary direction with this... I think Musharraf is going to be toast when all is said and done, and lets hope that some of the bad guys don't get there hands on the Nukes...

this plays out. This coming so quickly upon Biden's comments is most eerie. But as he pointed out, hardly unexpected.

I'm thinking a prophet might make a timely leader. There is historical precedent for that, after all.

Would you like jam with that toast, General?

I can't say I didn't see this coming, the failure of the * Administration's policy towards Pakistan has been evident from some time now. Some pretty "bad guys" already have their hands on the nukes in Pakistan, as they do in the USA!

It was only a question of when.

for military dictators, monarchs, and tribal chieftans to do whatever they want.

he's Islamic, and he's cancelling the Constitution and suppressing speech.

They are taking notes, seeing what works and what needs the bugs hammered out.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has already shown itself superior in ethical jurisprudence to the Amerikan Supreme "Court" when it was about to overturn Dear Leader's "election", instead of partnering with Dear Leader, as the Amerikan "Supreme" "court" did, thus disgracing and ending the Old American Republic simultaneously.

We should also watch carefully. Will Bhutto walk into the Bushie trap and be impeisoned or die by her "protectors".

A few similarities to the rulers of Pakistan and Imperial Amerika...

a lifetime of George W Bush screwing this country over at all the same turns that he has for the past 7 years.... Damn, I get sick to my stomach just thinking about it. King George no less... Yikes...

My fellow sleeping Americans, its time to wake up now... And do a call to action.

didn't even know who Musharraf was in 1999 and know Perez is like his best bud. I hope and pray that the brat doesn't take notes on what's happening in Pakistan for a future coup in the USA.

:sarcasm:

A copy of the emergency order obtained by The Associated Press justified the declaration on the grounds that “some members of the judiciary are working at cross purposes with the executive” and “weakening the government’s resolve” to fight terrorism.

well, things are in lockdown but the question is, how tight is this lockdown across the country?
what are people being grabbed up in the streets and taken to prison for?

oh
the coup isn't that far advanced yet?

/sarc

admin came to power, but it's our actions in Iraq that pulled the thread and unraveled the fabric that was for the most part keeping things together.

I find myself mentally turing to Biden for "what can we do?". i would feel so much safer if he were in the Oval Office now. I think he would have been over there working with the factions long before it came to this.

Bush is probably having fantasies thinking about what he would do if he were Gen. Pervez Musharraf right now.

The rest have to guess at the news. Same purpose, different methodology. Bush and his cohorts cannot stand the light of day. They prefer the "dark." "Laissez entrez la lumiere de Dieu." Let the Light of God enter the dark places in which evil, sadistic people of all ilk try to hide their hatred.

that Bhutto receive adequate security when she returned to the area.

I'm not sure of the troops surrounding her home are security or not -

Biden's obviously knowledgeable about the situation in Pakistan, since he felt it was important enough to bring up during Tuesday's debate. I'm hoping to hear from him. I'm turning to him for information and guidance like we SHOULD be able to turn to our President.

It could be either.

Now that the only Islamic country which really DOES have nuclear weapons is going down the tubes.

:hi:

Forum Name General Discussion: Politics
Topic subject Breaking News! Pakistan under Emergency Rule - Tanks in the street.
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3680254#3680254
3680254, Breaking News! Pakistan under Emergency Rule - Tanks in the street.
Posted by democrat2thecore on Sat Nov-03-07 01:10 PM

Have you seen the huge news out of Pakistan today?

Remember when Biden was talking about Pakistan being the real danger at the last debate? Again, a knowledgeable and prescient Biden knows what he's talking about.

Tanks Surround Supreme Court Building In Pakistan

Troops Surround Bhutto's Home

Pakistan In Crisis

Army In Control In Pakistan

State Of Emergency In Pakistan

Constitution Suspended in Pakistan

I think we might now know who tried to kill Bhutto. This is serious business.

One of the stories from MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21609019 /

edit to add link and change subject line

Forum Name General Discussion: Politics
Topic subject Here's a link to the BBC which has asked Pakistani people to comment. Interesting
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3680391#3680391
3680391, Here's a link to the BBC which has asked Pakistani people to comment. Interesting
Posted by gateley on Sat Nov-03-07 01:50 PM

responses - Just like here, some support their president, some strongly oppose him. (My observation is that also like here, the majority regard their President as a criminal).

http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=3776&edition=2&ttl=20071103184547

Forum Name General Discussion
Topic subject PHOTOS: Pakistan emergency
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2198292#2198292
2198292, PHOTOS: Pakistan emergency
Posted by Bluebear on Sat Nov-03-07 01:37 PM


Truckloads of soldiers arrive in the center of the capital, Islamabad.


Key institutions have been sealed off in Islamabad's administrative center, including the Supreme Court and TV and radio stations.


The Supreme Court - now blocked off - had been due to rule on the legality of Gen Musharraf's October re-election victory.


Checkpoints have been set up on the main roads leading into Islamabad.

...
I have been calling friends involved in international affairs & diplomacy etc who are much smarter than me and they disappointed me by telling me my worst fears are well-grounded....

A. full scale rioting breaks out in major Pakistani cities...many factions tearing each other up.
A coup possible by one or more groups....and the nukes, the nukes....India could get involved or baited into involvement by one faction or anotherr...


meanwhile, Turkey, seeing the U.S. attention diverted, sees an opportunity to "solve" its problem with the Kurds.....


Of course, the • adminstration will trot out its pablum routine statements like "no one could have anticipated....""


Thus we see the unbelievable incompetence of this administration.....If Bush had any sense of decency he would resign (WITH Cheney, of course), right now....

worry, worry, worry...

Forum Name General Discussion
Topic subject Masharraf swears in his own NEW SC justice (old one removed from office)
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2198498#2198498
2198498, Masharraf swears in his own NEW SC justice (old one removed from office)
Posted by rodeodance on Sat Nov-03-07 02:11 PM



Justice Abdul Hameed Doggar sworn in as CJP
Updated at 2100 PST
ISLAMABAD: Justice Abdul Hameed Doggar has sworn in as Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), official television said.

The oath taking ceremony was held at the President House. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf administered the oath.

Top military and civil officials attended the oath taking ceremony.

The government earlier imposed emergency in the country, set aside the constitution and announced Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).

Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has also been removed from the office of Chief Justice of Pakistan.
........


White House asks Musharraf to quit army office before presidency
Updated at 2250 PST
WASHINGTON: White House has asked President Musharraf to quit the army office before he is sworn in as the president.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, "The United States is deeply disturbed by reports."

"A state of emergency would be a sharp setback for Pakistani democracy and takes Pakistan off the path toward civilian rule. President Musharraf has stated repeatedly that he will step down as chief of army staff before re-taking the presidential oath of office and has promised to hold elections by Jan. 15. We expect him to uphold these commitments and urge him to do so immediately."

The state of emergency complicates what was already, in the view of U.S. officials, a complicated relationship.

Send this story to Friend | Print Version
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More Updates
Bhutto back in Pakistan
Raza Kasuri hails imposition of emergency in Pakistan
Nawaz terms situation ‘unprecedented’
US 'deeply disturbed' by Musharaff moves
Britain 'gravely concerned' at Pakistan events: FM
Pakistan state of emergency 'very worrying': Swedish FM Bildt
Pakistan state of emergency 'regrettable': Rice
Three Supreme Court judges sworn in under PCO
Text of emergency law proclamation
SC bench verdict over emergency
73 Constitution suspended, new PCO announced
Justice Abdul Hameed Doggar sworn in as CJP
Indian army on high alert on Pakistani borders
Emergency, PCO will be resisted with full force: Hamid Khan
Musharraf to address the nation tonight
Benazir’s flight stopped at Dubai Airport
SC’s 7-member bench rejects PCO imposition
India 'regrets' emergency rule in nuclear-armed Pakistan
No senior judge to take oath
Benazir Bhutto flying back to Pakistan
Aitezaz arrested
Security tightened in Peshawar after emergency declaration
PCO condemned by various political parties
New CJP expected to take oath
1973 constitution suspended, new PCO issued, CJ removed
EU condemns emergency in Pakistan
SC bench sets aside emergency
Emergency imposed in country, New PCO issued
Emergency imposed, Constitution’73 suspended, New PCO issued, CJ removed
COAS announces emergency promulgation
CJ removed from office under new PCO
Conditions not conducive to emergency: Saeed Siddiqui
Fazl vows to resist emergency
Media, judiciary under restriction
Arbab joins high-ups meeting
High-ups in meeting in Karachi
Government decides to impose emergency
Musharraf is likely to address nation tonight
Media Policy being reviewed in meeting at PM House

He's worried about Iran getting the bomb in 5 years and in two weeks, should Musharraf's government fall we could have Islamists with the bomb that make Iranian's leadership look moderate.

http://www.thepakistaninewspaper.com/

General Musharraf's Second Coup

ISLAMABAD, Nov 3: President General Pervez Musharraf, in his capacity as the chief of army staff, on Saturday declared emergency rule in the country, suspended the country�s constitution, and issued a new Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).Text of emergency proclamation


The official announcement on the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) came within minutes of a high-level meeting at the President House (Aiwan-i-Sadr) which was chaired by the President and attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, senior security and intelligence officials.

Justice Abdul Hameed Doggar sworn in as CJP
Updated at 2100 PST
ISLAMABAD: Justice Abdul Hameed Doggar has sworn in as Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), official television said.

The oath taking ceremony was held at the President House. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf administered the oath.

Top military and civil officials attended the oath taking ceremony.

The government earlier imposed emergency in the country, set aside the constitution and announced Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).

Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has also been removed from the office of Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Actually, it's not just Gonzalez that did as he was told - it looks to be that way with our new chief justice, John Roberts.

I assume this new guy is in Musharraf's pocket. The coming year is going to be one of the most dangerous in human history, led by Bush, but pushed as well by stuff like this.

White House asks Musharraf to quit army office before presidency
Updated at 2250 PST
WASHINGTON: White House has asked President Musharraf to quit the army office before he is sworn in as the president.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/updates.asp?id=31613

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, "The United States is deeply disturbed by reports."

"A state of emergency would be a sharp setback for Pakistani democracy and takes Pakistan off the path toward civilian rule. President Musharraf has stated repeatedly that he will step down as chief of army staff before re-taking the presidential oath of office and has promised to hold elections by Jan. 15. We expect him to uphold these commitments and urge him to do so immediately."

The state of emergency complicates what was already, in the view of U.S. officials, a complicated relationship.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/updates.asp?id=31602

73 Constitution suspended, new PCO announced
Updated at 2110 PST

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Musharraf has set aside the 1973 constitution and announced a new Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has been removed from his office.

A seven-member bench of the Supreme Court has rejected the imposition of the PCO.

The emergency bench consists of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Rana Bhagwandas, Justice Mir Shakirullah Jan, Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice Ghulam Rabbani.

The SC bench has given verdict that the emergency cannot be imposed and the PCO cannot be issued.

Chief of Army Staff has set aside the 1973 constitution and announced a new Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).

Chief Justice of Pakistan has been informed that his services were needed no more.

Bush would have been all over this with his World War 3s

http://www.dawn.com/2007/11/03/welcome.htm

Musharraf addresses nation ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (APP/Reuters): Chief of Army Staff, General Pervez Musharraf addressed the nation (Saturday) about 1845GMT. President General Pervez Musharraf said in his address that Pakistan was at a dangerous juncture. Extremists, he said had challenged the writ of the government. The country’s unity is in danger without emergency rule, he added. He was still speaking when this dispatch was filed. More details to follow…(First Posted @ 22:10 PST Updated @ 00:24 PST)


Separater
State of emergency declared ISLAMABAD, Nov 3, (AFP/AP) - President Gen Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent election win and amid rising militant violence. ''The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order,'' a newscaster on the state-run TV channel said. Dozens of police blocked the road in front of the Supreme Court building in Islamabad where judges were believed to be inside. The state TV report gave no reason for the emergency but it follows weeks of speculation that he could take the step. During previous emergencies in Pakistan, a provisional constitutional order has led to the suspension of some basic rights of citizens and for judges to take a fresh oath of office. ''This is the most condemnable act,'' said Ahsan Iqbal, a spokesman for the opposition PML-N party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who Musharraf barred from returning to exile to Pakistan in September to mount a campaign against military rule.''The whole nation will resist this extra-constitutional measure,'' he said. The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in the capital and other cities. Shahzad Iqbal, an official at a cable TV news provider in Islamabad said authorities were blocking transmissions of private news channels in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. State TV was still on the air. ''The government has done it,'' he said. Residents of Karachi said their cable TV was also off the air.Paramilitary troops and police surrounded the Supreme Court in Islamabad, an AFP reporter said. Two trucks full of armed paramilitary soldiers from the Rangers force, who are under the control of the Interior Ministry, and several dozen policemen cordoned off the building. (First Posted @ 18:26 PST Updated @ 18:54 PST)

He said terrorism and extremism had reached their limit and his country's sovereignty was at stake. “Pakistan has reached a dangerous point, and is
snip
“I fear that if timely action is not taken, then God forbid there is a threat to Pakistan's sovereignty.” He said some media channels had added to uncertainty in the country, but did not specify which. He also accused the courts of setting free 61 men who he said had committed terrorist acts. He said there will be no change in government during the state of emergency; parliament will continue to function. He said that he remained committed to holding parliamentary elections. (First Posted @ 22:10 PST Updated @ 00:44 PST)

http://www.dawn.com/2007/11/03/welcome.htm
I bet the IED threat has clied so high that travel by air may be the safest way for him and Bhutto to move around

he is doing what dictators do when threatened by ' A hat trick"

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule on Saturday in a bid to reassert his flagging authority against challenges from
Islamist militants,
a hostile judiciary and
political rivals.

snip


http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSCOL19928320071103?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true

Looks like Musharraf plans to remain as dictator absolutely

Bhutto back in Pakistan


http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=31615
Updated at 2330 PST
KARACHI: Former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto arrived at Karachi airport from Dubai Saturday after President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, her spokesman in London said while talking to a French news agency.

"She's at Karachi airport. I spoke to her on the plane as it was taxiing. She doesn't know whether she will be allowed to get off, be arrested or deported," Wajid Hasan said by telephone.

"She left Dubai when she heard about the state of emergency."

A spokesman for Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in Dubai, Mohammed Farooqi, said earlier that the former premier had left the United Arab Emirates for her homeland.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/8D370CD6-A376-4EB6-A829-DFC8E037CB16.htm

....In a taped address to the nation, Musharraf said the decision to impose emergency was taken in the interest of Pakistan.

He cited growing extremism, increasing lawlessness and an 'interfering judiciary' as some of the reasons behind his extraordinary step.

Crackdown

In depth

Pakistan: Timeline
Musharraf, who is also chief of the army staff, issued a provisional constitutional order declaring emergency.

Justice Chaudhry and eight other judges of the supreme court refused to endorse the provisional constitutional order issued by the president, but Musharraf's government rejected the ruling.

Chaudhry, on being replaced, has been placed under house arrest.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7076670.stm
Musharraf imposes emergency rule

Police on the streets of Islamabad 3/11/07
Islamabad's political and judicial core has been sealed off

Musharraf defiant
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has declared emergency rule and suspended the country's constitution.

He defended his actions in a national address, saying he was curbing a rise in extremism in Pakistan.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has been replaced and the Supreme Court surrounded by troops, who also entered state-run TV and radio stations.

The moves come as the Supreme Court was due to rule on the legality of Gen Musharraf's October election victory.

The court was to decide whether Gen Musharraf was eligible to run for re-election last month while remaining army chief.

"Extra-constitutional" moves are NOT the way to resolve the Pakistan crisis says Rice:
Posted by rodeodance



"Extra-constitutional" moves are NOT the way to resolve the Pakistan crisis says Rice:


Just now on Headline News:
HO HO--seems to me this is how Bush WH has responded to our 'terror' crisis!


Pak. constitution has been suspended, SC justices have been kicked out (new ones sworn in),
Ministries resolved. The Dictator is in charge as of this moment.


See LBN for lots of articles on this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Meanwhile most of TV land is ignoring the situation

http://www.reuters.com/news

Video
Play Video Play VideoVideo
State of emergency in Pakistan

Nov. 3 - Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has imposed emergency rule as paramilitary troops are deployed at television and radio stations. Play Video

http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=31616
Assemblies would remain functional despite emergency: Musharraf
Updated at 0100 PST
ISLAMABAD: President Gen. Pervez Musharraf has said that the prime minister, senate, assemblies, governors and chief ministers would continue to work despite imposition of emergency in the country.

In his address to the nation Saturday night Musharraf said that the first time in the history Pakistan completed the transition under a strategy and it was making headway. But, the vested interests were obstructing its path.

There were only three months left; however, for the personal gains, the process was halted by some unscrupulous people, he said.

The economic conditions were on the rise towards well being; but the hurdles were put by these people and the investors ceased to be interested any more to invest in the country, he further said.

The president further said that the heart of Pakistan Islamabad is also afflicted by the extremism; the extremist elements want to enforce their archaic, outdated notions on all.

He said the officials are being called to the courts and insulted; so, they are reluctant to take any action.

Forum Name Political Videos
Topic subject PAKISTAN David Frost Interview with Bhutto YESTERDAY!
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x66909#66909
66909, PAKISTAN David Frost Interview with Bhutto YESTERDAY!
Posted by gateley on Sat Nov-03-07 02:42 PM

This helped me understand the situation in Pakstan. She said she feared something like this might happen - and now it has.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=63c_1190549590
recorded in Australia

Forum Name General Discussion: Politics
Topic subject Condi Rice urges "quick return to civilian rule"...
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3680679#3680679
3680679, Condi Rice urges "quick return to civilian rule"...
Posted by Kurt_and_Hunter on Sat Nov-03-07 03:21 PM

unfortunately, she's referring to Pakistan.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/11/03/welcome.htm

Musharraf action 'very disappointing' -- White House WASHINGTON, Nov 3

(AFP): The White House Saturday called Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's declaration of a state of emergency “very disappointing” and said he needs to keep a pledge to hold elections by January. “This action is very disappointing.


President Musharraf needs to stand by his pledges to have free and fair elections in January and step down as Chief of Army Staff before retaking the Presidential oath of office,” said the statement from White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe. Rice says move highly regrettable: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told CNN television on Saturday Pakistan's declaration of emergency rule was “highly regretable” and she hoped its intention was to have free and fair elections. (First Posted @ 21:30 PST Updated @ 23:40 PST)

Pakistan plans all-out war on militants
By Syed Saleem Shahzad

An all-out battle for control of Pakistan's restive North and South Waziristan is about to commence between the Pakistani military and the Taliban and al-Qaeda adherents who have made these tribal areas their own.

According to a top Pakistani security official who spoke to Asia Times Online on condition of anonymity, the goal this time is to pacify the Waziristans once and for all. All previous military operations - usually spurred by intelligence provided by the Western coalition - have had limited objectives, aimed at specific
bases or sanctuaries or blocking the cross-border movement of guerrillas. Now the military is going for broke to break the back of the Taliban and a-Qaeda in Pakistan and reclaim the entire area.


snip

http://atimes01.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IJ19Df01.html

well,
best laid plans often have to deal with Murphy's law....

Not going to happen... :(

The Canadian government has condemned Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf for invoking military rule, stating it was "deeply concerned" over the action.

A statement released by Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier urged Musharraf to "immediately" cancel the state of emergency and the new provisional constitutional order.

"These measures undermine democratic development, judicial independence and the possibility of free and fair elections to which the people of Pakistan are entitled," Bernier said Saturday.

snip

Witnesses say Bhutto has been taken from the airport by police.

more

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071103/pakistan_emergency_071103/20071103?hub=TopStories

Why does it matter that the sources never visited 'nam?

* would probably shut down the TV and radio stations here, but since they only broadcast WH propaganda, he doesn't need to.

That quote from Bhutto pretty much sums it up.


The emergency was expected to be followed by arrests of lawyers and other perceived opponents of the government, including civil society activists and possibly even members of the judiciary itself, a ruling party lawmaker said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

That speaks volumes as well. "civil society activists" and lawyers being rounded up.
Both were from http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2003991893&slug=webpakistan03&date=20071103

‘Pakistan’s friends’ should ask US to stop supporting dictator: Asma

PESHAWAR: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairwoman Asma Jehangir, who was put under house arrest for three months on Saturday after the proclamation of an emergency by General Pervez Musharraf, urged the “friends of Pakistan” to ask the United States “to stop supporting the instable dictator, as his lust for power is bringing the country close to a worse form of a civil strife”.

Asma said in a statement, “It is time now for the international community to insist on preventive measures otherwise it may take decades to clean the mess.”

She feared that the government would put restrictions on the media and the judiciary after Gen Musharraf declared an emergency and held the Constitution in abeyance, suspending citizens’ fundamental rights.

“The situation in Pakistan is uncertain. There is a strong crackdown on the media and lawyers. Most judges of the Supreme Court and the high courts have not taken oath under the new provisional constitutional order. Former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is under house arrest. Supreme Court Bar Association President Aitzaz Ahsan and two former SCBA presidents Muneer Malik and Tariq Mahmood have been imprisoned for one month under preventive detention laws,” she said, adding that scores of politicians were also arrested.

“The president said that he had to clamp down on the press and the judiciary to curb terrorism. Those he has arrested are progressive, secular minded people while the terrorists are offered negotiations and ceasefires,” she said.

snip

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C11%5C05%5Cstory_5-11-2007_pg7_14

Musharraf's Emergency Rule May Spur, Not Deter, Al-Qaeda Threat

By Naween A. Mangi and Jay Shankar

Nov. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's imposition of emergency rule to fight terrorism without legal constraints may lead to worsening violence in the world's second-largest Muslim state, analysts say.

Musharraf, 64, ordered the arrest of as many as 500 people since he suspended the constitution, clamped down on the media and fired the nation's top judge Nov. 3, saying extremism had ``peaked throughout the country.'' Pakistan witnessed the worst terrorist attack in its 60-year history last month when suicide bombers targeted opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on her return to contest nationwide elections that now may be delayed.

``Imposition of emergency does not help the military fight its battle against terrorism,'' said Lisa Curtis, senior research fellow at the Washington-based Heritage Foundation. ``The security services will also be distracted now with efforts to control civil society rather than focusing attention on preventing terrorist attacks.''

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday said the U.S. will review its foreign aid to Pakistan. The U.S. has pumped billions of dollars into Pakistan since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to strengthen the military in a failed bid to catch al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and halt extremist attacks.

snip

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=aO45qi0_thcs&refer=india

Militants free Pakistani troops
Pro-Taleban militants have released more than 200 Pakistani soldiers who were captured near the Afghan border in August, military officials have said.
The soldiers were handed over to tribal elders in South Waziristan, the lawless region where they were being held.

The Pakistani authorities released 28 militants in exchange, reports say.

snip
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7077943.stm

well,
his boogy man can reach out and grab anybody,anytime in the Muslim dominated badlands but my question is
why now?
What happened that would have really pushed the Taleban to release 200 for a fraction of 'fighters'.

Are the Pakistani troops not worth much or have recent events forced their hand to make deals with the gvt they do not recognize